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March 24, 2026
苔tāi(tai1)
The character 苔 (tāi) refers to moss or lichen, indicating a type of small, non-flowering plant that often grows in damp or shady environments. In a broader context, it can also refer to the coating that can appear on the tongue, often related to health. This word is commonly used in botanical discussions or health-related conversations.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#6715DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the appearance of the tongue is believed to reflect one’s health, and the term 苔 is used to describe certain health conditions based on the tongue's coating. This highlights the significance of tongue diagnosis in Chinese health practices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soft, green blanket of moss covering the ground in a forest. The character 苔 looks like a tiny plant sprouting from the ground (the radical 艹 on top represents vegetation), and the pronunciation 'tāi' can be remembered by thinking of 'tide' as the water that nourishes these plants.
Meanings of 苔
tāi(tai1)
primary
1moss, lichen
2coating (of tongue)
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About 苔
苔Simplified
8Strokes
艹Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 苔
Podcast: 苔
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AI Study Notes for 苔
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soft, green blanket of moss covering the ground in a forest. The character 苔 looks like a tiny plant sprouting from the ground (the radical 艹 on top represents vegetation), and the pronunciation 'tāi' can be remembered by thinking of 'tide' as the water that nourishes these plants.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 苔 with similar-sounding words. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in discussions about nature or health. A common collocation is 苔藓 (tāixiǎn), which means 'moss'. Be mindful of the third tone in pronunciation to avoid confusion.
HSK Study Tips
While 苔 is not in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to HSK Level 3 words related to nature and health, such as 绿 (green) and 健康 (health). Students should practice recognizing its radicals and their meanings to strengthen their vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, the appearance of the tongue is believed to reflect one’s health, and the term 苔 is used to describe certain health conditions based on the tongue's coating. This highlights the significance of tongue diagnosis in Chinese health practices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 苔 as 'tái', confusing it with other characters. Remember, the correct tone is 'tāi' with a high tone, not rising.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 苔
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Grammar Patterns of 苔
苔 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Is asking coated tongue please turning black why returns to a thing?
8
苔丝直哭得声咽气结,肝肠断绝;因为她憋了这些天了,到今天才一齐都发泄出来.
tái sī zhí kū dé shēng yān qì jié, , gān cháng duàn; jué ; yīn wéi tā biē le zhè xiē, tiān le , dào jīn tiān cái yī qí dū fā.
Tess was convulsed with weeping, the tension of so many days having relaxed at last.
Cultural Notes for 苔
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, the appearance of the tongue is believed to reflect one’s health, and the term 苔 is used to describe certain health conditions based on the tongue's coating. This highlights the significance of tongue diagnosis in Chinese health practices.
Word Family of 苔
Words Containing This Character6
苔tāicoating (of tongue)
苔藓moss苔蘚
青苔moss
海苔nori
蒜苔garlic shoots (cookery)
紫菜苔purple cabbage
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 苔 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 苔
In health contexts, 苔 refers to the coating on the tongue, which can indicate various health conditions.
苔 is often used in poetry and literature to evoke imagery of nature, tranquility, and the passage of time.
Yes, a common term is 苔藓 (tāixiǎn), which specifically means 'moss'.
